Mitchell began his engineering career at General Electric Aerospace. In 1992, he joined Alpine Electronics and became a founding member of its research company which is credited for introducing navigation systems to the U.S. market. During his tenure at Alpine, he held several positions, including manager of software engineering and director of IT. His background includes management of both nonprofit and electronics industry organizations.

Mitchell’s academic credentials include a doctorate in higher education management from University of Georgia; an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University and a B.S. in electrical and computer engineering from Brigham Young University. He is fluent in Japanese and is experienced in producing successful business results internationally.

One World, One Industry: Connecting the Dots Between Manufacturing and Community

Across the United States, the first Friday in October represents the annual celebration of Manufacturing Day. On this date, manufacturers and supporters come together to celebrate the longevity and success of our industry. Since 2012, Manufacturing Day has served as a chance to learn about the businesses that thrive in our communities and contribute greatly to the economy.

The manufacturing industry has proven vital to the success and growth of our communities, and our communities are essential to the success of manufacturing. From printed circuit boards to cellphones, chances are there is a manufacturing facility near you, creating products that you may not even realize you use.

Manufacturing Day began with a goal to invite students, educators, businesspeople, media, and politicians to facilities across the country to educate them on the ins and outs of our industry. It has since evolved into an opportunity to inform visitors of the numerous career options in the manufacturing sector and the public policy issues that affect our success.

For example, manufacturers across the country have expressed concern over the perennial shortage of skilled talent. Leading into Manufacturing Day, IPC offered a letter of support for the Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act (S.1352)[1], which was introduced in the U.S. Congress by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The act would create a $5,000 tax credit for up to three years for companies that hire and pay employees enrolled in a federal- or state-registered apprentice program, as well as allow senior employees near retirement to draw from pensions early if they’re involved in mentoring or training new employees. Additionally, this act will help veterans get into skilled jobs that match their mili tary experience sooner by allowing credit in apprenticeship requirements from previous military training.

As an official endorser[2] of Manufacturing Day, IPC also reached out to several state governors requesting proclamations on the importance of this annual celebration. Govs. Greg Abbott (R-TX), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Bruce Rauner (R-IL), and Tom Wolf (R-PA), each offered proclamations recognizing the contributions of the advanced manufacturing industry in communities across the country.

Similarly, on Manufacturing Day, President Donald Trump convened manufacturers from across the country for a White House ceremony. During the service Trump signed a presidential proclamation recognizing the importance of the country’s manufacturing history.

Meanwhile, several IPC member companies joined the growing list of Manufacturing Day local events as they opened their doors to the public to show what advanced electronics manufacturing looks like.

IPC member company STI Electronics hosted local school groups, including a group of female engineers, to tour their manufacturing facility in Madison, Alabama.

Bay Area Circuits offered a presentation on importance of manufacturing and an overview of the PCB manufacturing process. The company also conducted a tour of its manufacturing facility, highlighting many key processes.

Power Design Services gave a tour of their 10,000-square-foot facility, where attendees saw the printed circuit board assembly process. The event included a career fair and a brief presentation on assembly technology and flow. Each year Manufacturing Day continues to exemplify the contributions our industry makes nationwide. If you missed the chance to celebrate the date this year, mark your calendar now for 2018.

2017

Across the United States, the first Friday in October represents the annual celebration of Manufacturing Day. On this date, manufacturers and supporters come together to celebrate the longevity and success of our industry. Since 2012, Manufacturing Day has served as a chance to learn about the businesses that thrive in our communities and contribute greatly to the economy.

In a recent survey of our U.S. member companies[1], most said they have a hard time finding local talent to run their businesses. Respondents cited many essential skills that are in short supply, but the most common ones are soldering for production jobs, and engineers with industry experience, especially in process, test, and quality control. Making matters even more challenging, as new innovations emerge, new skills requirements emerge as well.

Automotive electronics is not a new topic. While there is a trend for both performance and luxury electronics, many of the recent conversations tend to focus on self-driving/autonomous vehicles. While the technology is exciting, it is just the tip of the iceberg.

The manufacturing industry is truly a global one. While the past few decades have seen the rise of manufacturing in China and countries throughout Europe and South America, the last 10 years have been marked by significant progress in India. While the greater Asian area has flourished, India has been hampered by many factors including a struggling infrastructure.

The skills gap is a chronic problem in the manufacturing sector. Most manufacturing companies have a hard time aligning the talent needed to run their businesses with the talent that is available to work locally. And as new innovations emerge, new skills requirements emerge as well.

When you have concerns about government regulations and policies that impact your business, what can you do? Among several options, a direct approach is one of the best: Reach out to your elected officials and share your concerns. The odds are good that they will be responsive and look into ways of helping out a hometown business.

Count me among those business leaders who thought the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was on the right track last year and would have brought significant benefits to all nations, including the United States. Before President Trump withdrew the United States from the TPP trade negotiations, I had argued it would have unified the world’s most dynamic economic region—bringing together developed and developing countries that collectively represent 825 million consumers and 40% of the world’s economic output.

To truly increase the number of American manufacturing jobs, President Trump should support increased investment in research and development for advanced manufacturing, promote and fund STEM education in primary and secondary schools, and build stronger apprenticeship programs. It is this type of investment—in human capital and technology—that will truly help make American manufacturing great again.

As President Trump was being sworn in several weeks ago, and as the new Congress was getting down to work, IPC released its Global Policy Framework for 2017. As we work to represent more than 3,800 member facilities across the electronics industry’s global supply chain, IPC will adhere to this framework to guide our policy work in the coming months. All of our advocacy efforts are aimed at fostering an environment in which electronics manufacturers and their suppliers can thrive and grow.

Technology isn’t just a tangible entity. It moves beyond what we can see, feel, and touch. It is ideas and theories. It includes philosophy and risks. In a way, technology itself is like the stock market. Different industries hedge their bets on emerging trends. These trends develop into useful products that change our world.

2016

John Mitchell's new column's title says it all: One World, One Industry. In the coming columns, the IPC president will be covering issues affecting the entire global electronics industry supply chain with specific expertise on global standards, education, advocacy and solutions.

The orchestra conductor is an apt metaphor for the successful leader. Effective leadership often boils down to the ability to inspire others (the symphony) to their best work, while keeping and driving the overall vision of the organization (the musical score).

On Tuesday, November 8, more than 240 million people in the United States will have the opportunity to go to the polls and vote, make their voices heard in government, and influence the direction of public policy for years to come. Much of the world is closely watching with interest in this major U.S. election.